If you are an EU or EFTA national, you do not have to do anything before entering Switzerland. However, you are required to register with the residents’ registration office (Einwohnerkontrolle) at your commune within 14 days of your arrival. In addition, you must apply for a residence permit at the migration office.
Although students from Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore, Australia, Brunei and United Kingdom do not need a visa to enter Switzerland, they must submit the same documents as students with visa requirements in order to obtain a residence permit. However, they need not remain in their country until a decision has been made with regard to their application, but may enter Switzerland upon submission of the required documents. Send the documents (plus the copy of the visa application) to the International Office or the secretariat of the school where you will study. They will apply for the residence permit. Therefore, if possible, send the documents before 1 July (for start in the fall semester) or 1 December (for start in the spring semester).
The information on this page is for information purposes only and supplied without liability. The underlying regulations may have changed since this information was last updated. For legally binding information, please consult the website of the State Secretariat for Migration or contact the Embassy of Switzerland in your country of residence.
